CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, (Reuters):
WEST INDIES pipped Pakistan to join holders India and Australia in the Under-19 World Cup semi-finals yesterday.
Pakistan and West Indies had to win to advance from Super League Group One, but West Indies earned a bonus point in their 62-run win over Sri Lanka to move to nine points, while Pakistan's two wicket win over India was not enough.
Donovan Pagon was outstanding for West Indies with 92 in their innings of 202 and he was ably supported with 65 from Narsinghe Deonarine.
West Indies were grateful to those two because Sri Lanka ran through the lower order, taking the last seven wickets for 48.
When Pagon has failed, against Australia and India in this tournament, his team has lost. In the four West Indian victories the Jamaican right-hander has now hit 378 runs at an average of 126.
Pagon struck 14 boundaries in 107 balls and team manager Courtenay Daley was thrilled with his efforts after the match.
"Pagon played a very splendid innings and hit the ball into spaces well," Daley said.
Sri Lanka were dismissed in 47 overs for just 140, with Deonarine completing a fine all-round game with figures of two for 20 off his 10 overs.
The West Indies bowled Australia out for 200 in their group game a week ago, but were dismissed for 158 in the run chase.
"It was close, so we hope that if we can improve on how we batted against them and bowl similarly it will be a good game. Australia has been playing very good cricket," Daley said of the impending clash.
Pakistan won an exciting game against India when they reached the 182 target with just two wickets remaining after having a disappointing start.
Arslan Mir and Khaqan Arsal were both out without scoring, which reduced Pakistan to 10 for two. But Mir's opening partner and captain Salman Butt batted throughout for 85 not out.
He steered Pakistan to victory with help from Mohammad Fayyaz (29) and Kamran Sajid (24).
From the other Super League group, any one of South Africa, New Zealand and England can join Australia after today's matches, with South Africa looking the most likely.
In the Plate Championship, semi-finalists Zimbabwe thrashed fellow semi-finalists Bangladesh by nine wickets.
Kenya, with a swashbuckling 150 not out from Morris Ouma, recorded their first win of the Cup in a high-scoring game over Papua New Guinea.
